Central Texas is dealing with the consequences of an alleged unlicensed gun trafficking operation following the arrest of two local men. As reported by KXAN, 24-year-old Ronin Michael Rhoades from Georgetown, and 42-year-old Tristan James Banda of Pflugerville, have recently been indicted and taken into custody on charges related to the illegal selling of firearms.
The Justice Department claims that neither man had the requisite license for dealing in firearms, yet they purportedly engaged in the business. Specifically, Rhoades is accused of operating a scheme to traffic and facilitate straw purchases of various firearms, including high-powered rifles and a .50 caliber rifle. His attorney, Stephen Barrera, told KXAN, "At this time, we are still looking into the basis of the allegations that were brought against Mr. Rhoades. Mr. Rhoades has entered a plea of not guilty and is looking forward to his day in court." Banda has yet to have an attorney listed for his defense.
The charges against Rhoades include conspiracy to traffic firearms, which carries a maximum sentence of 15 years, conspiracy to straw purchase firearms—with a sentence of up to 25 years—and the charge of dealing in firearms without a license, with a maximum sentence of five years. His arrest occurred on August 1st. Banda, taken into custody on August 14, faces a single count of dealing in firearms without a license, which could result in a sentence of up to five years, according to the Department of Justice. Both cases are being probed by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
In a separate statement, the DOJ confirmed that a federal grand jury in San Antonio returned the indictments, and U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for a Western District of Texas made the announcement regarding the charges. Assistant U.S. Attorney William Calve is assigned to prosecute these cases. While an indictment signals formal charges, it should be noted that it is not a declaration of guilt; Rhoades and Banda are presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
